The Edmonton Oilers needed to find young, promising right-handed defenders in the off-season. They accomplished that in a number of ways.
After acquiring Adam Larsson from the New Jersey Devils, the Oilers signed NCAA defenseman Matthew Benning to an entry-level contract. Originally, all the deal gave was a glimpse of depth and development in the Oilers’ system. However, he’s since become one of the Oilers biggest assets on defence and has points in four of his last five games.
NCAA to the NHL in a Flash
However, after an impressive training camp, Benning found himself on the opening night roster. He was projected to either be the bottom-pairing RHD, or the seventh defenseman. Of course, where he landed would depend on his performance against teammate (and competition) Eric Gryba.
After injuries plagued the Oilers blueline, the Oilers threw Matthew Benning into the lineup. Transitioning from the NCAA to the NHL, Benning not only needed to get used to the speed but the difference in size and physicality. Despite his youth and lack of experience, he adjusted quickly and became an important part of the Oilers’ lineup.
Puck-Moving Skill
Benning has shined on defence but has also shown a lot of power on the offensive aspect of his game. He can move the puck and start the rush, and also get the play going from the blueline. His skill-set is unprecedented, and definitely an asset to Edmonton on special teams and at even strength.
Not to mention, he has an underrated shot that he can rip from the point and use to create scoring chances. This is a plus, especially for a team with a lot of big grinders that can get in front of the crease and act as a screen.
Coming off his first NHL goal Saturday, Benning is finding out how to score and get the play going and is showing potential to be a great puck mover for years to come.
Defensive Ability
Benning is great when it comes to maintaining puck possession and keeping the puck out of his zone. In just 29 games this season, he has 59 hits and 33 shot blocks and is an asset to the Oilers in every aspect. He is blossoming quickly into a top-four defenceman and is one of the best defenders on the team with eight points (one goal, seven assists), a plus-5 rating and 3.7 relative Fenwick.
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As he continues to evolve his game, he will get better when it comes to turnovers, which he struggles with at the moment. However, he will continue to grow and eventually fill out top-pairing skates.